choice??? uuummmm he had to be recommended for and then apply for admission to the Academy before he was accepted. it WAS a choice.
He didn’t have a choice, he was sent to a naval academy which demands a commitment to the navy for several years after you graduate...
I don't think anyone held a gun to his head and forced him into the Academy. He knew it going in, and should expect to pay it back. I really get tired of these idiots who join the military, then whine when they get deployed. Stay the hell out and free up the slot for someone with responsibility and sense of duty.
> He didn’t have a choice, he was sent to a naval academy which demands a commitment to the navy for several years after you graduate...
The article says that he “accepted appointment” to the Naval Academy — which I interpret to mean that he could have said “no”.
I betcha the training he got was worth a small fortune, which would be why they would want him to commit for a couple years after getting out.
Presumably he applied to them? — they surely wouldn’t have had a Press Gang like the old British Navy had, getting him drunk then grabbing him off the street to serve in His Majesty’s Ships?
Anyrate, hunting pirates would be alot more fun than pro baseball. Still no sympathy from me: I almost wish I could trade places with him. Pirate hunting would be a HOOT!!
They leave no doubt to your commitment when you are signing.
However, the academies realize that a lot of kids don't fully comprehend nor the fortitude required to be an officer when first entering.
This is why the academies have no long term requirement until you begin you junior year; then, at that time, each have their own special commitment signing ceremony.
If he would pay back the 1 million + $$ that the Navy invested in him I’d say “Play Ball”.. otherwise just STFU and kill pirates
Sorry Buckwheat, one does not get ‘sent’ to any of the military colleges. You have to earn it. So if he went to ‘Canoe U’, he studied, applied, and was accepted after a seriously difficult vetting process; no small feat. My hat is off to anyone who can do all that. But after you sign up, you owe the military big time. And they will collect. So you can either do your contractual time serving properly and loyally or you can do it in Leavenworth.
Sent by who? He activly seeked out the position he's in.
No one twisted his arm to be where he is now...sheeesh
I hope you forgot to insert the ..... /sarc
You’re kidding, right?
If not, you deserve everything that’s been thrown your way, and more.
He did have a choice. Going to any military academy is a choice. You have to apply and be accepted, or be appointed. And you do that knowing that you have to give something back to your country and the Navy. He received training, food, uniforms, health care, etc., at a cost of well over $100,000 of your (our) money.
As a Navy veteran with over 22 years of service, I would offer him this bit of advice: lead and take care of your people; stand straight; wear your uniform with pride; do your service. If he needs to look for examples he can check with Joe DiMaggio or any one of several dozen other star athletes who gave up some of their prime playing years VOLUNTARILY to serve our nation. That was a choice...
“He didn’t have a choice, he was sent to a naval academy which demands a commitment to the navy for several years after you graduate...”
Well, sure, he had a choice! I know we’re in violent agreement about this, but humor me: he wasn’t sent to the Naval Academy, he chose to attend, and went through an exhausting and extremely competitive process to be selected to attend, the Naval Academy - he ASKED FOR IT! Bitching about serving later greatly increases the p*ssy factor here. I have great respect for the folks on the front line, but no sympathy for a whiner.
Colonel, USAFR
choice??? uuummmm he had to be recommended for and then apply for admission to the Academy before he was accepted. it WAS a choice.